Town slip to disappointing home defeat

A moment of class settled a dour encounter as Bridlington Town slipped to a home defeat against mid-table Rainworth Miners Welfare.

The only goal of the game was a magnificent30-yard volley by the visitors’ midfield Sam Dockwray midway through the second half.

It was a strike which was out of place in the context of a poor game, which was hampered by blustery conditions.

Both sides tried to play decent football, but there was little quality on show.

Rainworth had the best of the early chances, with Jamie Yorke, who was booked in the opening minutes for diving, floating a cross which almost dropped inside James Hitchcock’s far post.

James Whittingham dallied in possession in his own penalty area but Liam Morris failed to divert Yorke’s pass the right side of the post.

Then came the moment which summed up Bridlington’s afternoon. Tom Fleming sent Joel Sutton away and his shot was palmed out by Sam Leigh straight into the path of Ombeni Ruhanduka, but he blazed over the open goal from five yards out.

Rainworth’s pressure continued and Matthew Sykes hit the outside of the post from a narrow angle and Yorke’s shot was blocked after a good run by Connor Smythe.

Bridlington had switched to 3-5-2 to try to get a foothold in the game in the first half and after the break they introduced striker Lewis Clarkson, who was returning from suspension.

His first two touches were shots on target, but both were straight at Leigh, and before long, Clarkson fell awkwardly on the touchline and had to be replaced.

Chris Jenkinson made two crucial interventions in the heart of the Town defence, but he and everyone else in red was powerless on 71 minutes when a corner was cleared as far as Dockwray, who flashed a volley back into the top corner.

Finally, Town found some impetus. Leigh was brave to dive at the feet of Will Waudby after a good passing move involving Ash Allanson, Sutton and Duka.

Then a quick throw in led to Waudby getting in a good low cross which Sutton miskicked, but behind him Benn Lewis made a better connection, but his effort dragged wide.

Duka created himself a chance but flashed a shot wide, and Fleming was also off-target after a pass from sub Ryan Nicholls.